Method and apparatus for vacuum molding book bindings

ABSTRACT

VACUUM MOLDING APPARATUS FOR BOOKS COMPRISES A BASE HAVING A SUPPORT TO HOLD IN ASSEMBLED POSITION THE BOOK PAGES AND BOOK COVERS AND A CAP FITTING OVER THE SPINE AND A COVER CONTAINING A HEATING MEANS AND A FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE. THE BOOK COVERS AND SPINE ARE SOFTENED BY HEAT AND A VACUUM IS DRAWN WITHIN THE APPARATUS TO CAUSE THE MEMBRANE TO BE FORCED TIGHTLY AGAINST THE SPINE OF THE BOOK AND THE COVERS, THEREBY MOLDING AS A UNIT THE SPINE AND COVERS AND JOINING THE SAME TO THE PAGES. MEANS MAY BE PROVIDED TO AVOID FORMATION OF FILLETS WHERE THE COVERS JOIN THE SPINE. THE METHOD INVOLVES SOFTENING THE THERMOPLASTIC BOOK COVERS AND SPINE BY APPLICATION OF HEAT AND SIMULTANEOUSLY APPLYING A VACUUM ON THE INSIDE OF A FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE SO THAT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE FORCES THE MEMBRANE AGAINST THE COVERS AND SPINE, MOLDING THE SAME TOGETHER AND JOINING THE SPINE TO THE EDGES OF THE PAGES. BY USE OF A PREPARED CASTING RELEASE PAPER, SIMULATED GRAIN MAY BE EMBOSSED IN THE COVERS AND VARIOUS LEGENDS AND ORNA-   MENTATION APPLIED. THE MOLDING OF THE COVER MAY LAMINATE VARIOUS LAYERS OF PLASTIC OF DIFFERENT THICKNESS, COLORS, ETC. THE EDGES OF THE COVERS ARE ROUNDED DURING MOLDING. PANELS OR IMBEDDED INSERTS MAY BE FORMED IN THE COVERS OR SPINE.

Se t. 28,- 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD ETAL 3,508,115

ZMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June 16, 1969 a Sheets-Sheet 1 I 33- l 67 v 39 INVENTORS 37 72 7 87 91 WILLIAM H. ABILDGAARD Q CHARLES T GROSWITH 111 ATTORN HANS LELANDM 6 0 p 2 .1 W. H. ABILDGAARD ETAI- 3,603,116

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUI JM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June 16, 1969 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 D DE fiWHM M m m NGWE. Y w M LO N WHR W AGANH T H L M SE ME MRSY ANB HA WCH Sept. 23,1971 w.H.ABu.D AARD Em, v 3,608,116

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June 16 1969 L a Sheets-Sheet s 975 "F 1 T(IT 63 q 2 Li I g K N :11 -64 67.57 -41; L; i: I f1 1111 K L '7 -79 725 l v 72 O \L\\I\\\\\U A 71 87 9273 Luvs 92 as INVENTORB CHARLES T. GROSWITH III HANS LELAND NELGAARD r ATTORNEY Sept. 28,1971 w, H,VAB|LDGAARD ETAL 7 3,608,116

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June 16, 1969 8 Sheets-Sheet 4.

I N VENTORS WILLIAM H. ABILDGAARD CHARLES T. GROSWITH HANS LELAND MELG ATTORN Y Sept. 28,1971 w, H, Ag pg p ETTAL 3,608,116

- METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June- 16 1969 8 Sheets-Sheet a FIG-.11.; Hem FIG.12 Fl(3.12A

a o 6MB 0 0 c o o o A 12m 1 142 142 1420 /4 138 1 1.12 127D 127D F I614 I FIG14A FIG.13 F|G.13A FIGMB H615 Y F1616 F1617 F|G.17A.

, INVENTORS WILLIAM H. ABlLDGAARD CHARLES T. GROSWITH IH HANS LELAND MELGAARD ii f 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS H. ABILDGAARD @a AT TORNFY Sept. 28', 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June 16, 1969 CHARLES T. GROSWITH III HANS LELAND MELGAARD WILLIAM o nHHHHH m a m P Sept. 28, 1971 w, H, Am D ETI'AL 3,608,116

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS Filed June 16', '1969 .8 Sheets-Sheet 8 NNQE m w wE m mm W H WM NGWL MIND D E LOM N w A D T .TLN M H A SL ME wa |L. AN Y [HA 8 WcH mm? United States Patent Office 3,608,116 Patented Sept. 28, 1971 3,608,116 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM MOLDING BOOK BINDINGS William H. Abildgaard, Los Altos Hills, and Charles T. Groswith HI, Palo Alto, Calif., and Hans L. Melgaard, Mound, Minn., assignors to Abildgaard Laboratories Inc., Mountain View, Calif.

Filed June 16, 1969, Ser. No. 833,382 Int. Cl. B42c 19/00, 15/00; B4211 l H05b 1/00 US. Cl. 111R 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Vacuum molding apparatus for .books comprises a base having a support to hold in assembled position the book pages and book covers and a cap fitting over the spine and a cover containing a heating means and a flexible membrane. The book covers and spine are softened by heat and a vacuum is drawn within the apparatus to cause the membrane to be forced tightly against the spine of the book and the covers, thereby molding as a unit the spine and covers and joining the same to the pages. Means may be provided to avoid formation of fillets where the covers join the spine.

The method involves softening the thermoplastic book covers and spine by application of heat and simultaneously applying a vacuum on the inside of a flexible membrane so that atmospheric pressure forces the membrane against the covers and spine, molding the same together and joining the spine to the edges of the pages. By use of a prepared casting release paper, simulated grain may be embossed in the covers and various legends and ornamentation applied. The molding of the cover may laminate various layers of plastic of different thickness, colors, etc. The edges of the covers are rounded during molding. Panels or imbedded inserts may be formed in the covers or spine.

This invention rel-ates to a new and improved apparatus and method for vacuum molding book bindings and to an improved heating unit membrane.

A principal feature of the present invention is the fact that an apparatus and method are provided which simultaneously perform a plurality of different steps in the vacuum molding of a book. Although one or more of the steps may be omitted, a principal feature of the invention is the fact that the book produced in accordance with the present invention incorporates a variety of different features all performed in a single machine.

A principal feature of the invention is the provision of a binding for the book. Such binding joins the cover of the book and the pages. As hereinafter explained, characteristics of the binding are subject to considerable variation, depending upon the final appearance desired. An essential feature of the present invention, however, is the fact that the front and back covers are vacuum molded and are simultaneously caused to adhere to the book pages.

A second feature of the invention, which is optional depending upon characteristics of the cover desired, is the embossing of the cover sheets with a pattern, such as a simulated leather grain. Thus during the vacuum molding of the cover, casting release paper may be used which is finished with a textured surface and such surface is transferred to the cover. A variety of different textures may be selected by the user. In addition, the release paper may be finished with a scuff coating which is transferred to the cover at the time that the release paper is stripped from the cover after completion of fabrication. Such scuff coating, as well understood in this art, forms a barrier which inhibits bleeding of the plastic ingredients of the cover.

Still another optional feature of the present invention is the printing on the cover of legends and ornamentation of various types. Such legends and ornamentations may be initially applied to the release paper and are transferred to the cover or spine of the book during the vacuum molding operation and prior to the stripping of the release paper from the completed book. Alternately, the covers may be printed or silk screened prior to insertion in the machine and the "release paper used only for texturing and scuff coating.

A principal feature of the invention is the fact that the cover is vacuum molded. The result of vacuum molding is the rounding of the edges and back of the cover because of the application of pressure to the soft cover during the vacuum molding step. Optionally, the cover may be formed with ornamentation. A characteristic ornamentation is the formation of a panel on the cover or spine into which a label may be applied by glue or other means. Optionally, an insert may be imbedded into the cover or spine during the molding process. Such an insert may be an envelope into which a label may be slipped. Such label may, for example, carry the title of the book and other information. Optionally, a title panel or label may be heatsealed to the cover or spine during the molding process if panel or label and cover are of compatible, heat sealable thermoplastics.

Another feature of the invention, which is also optional, is the fact that one or both of the covers may be laminated during the molding process. Thus the outer sheet of the cover may be apertured or pierced to reveal an underlying sheet which may be of a different color or texture, thereby ornamenting the cover or applying legends thereto. Furthermore, by selecting layers to be laminated together of various thicknesses or rigidity, the thickness or rigidity of the cover may likewise be varied. Furthermore, if the layers are non-continuous the cover may be made thicker or more rigid in certain areas than in others.

In essence, the apparatus hereinafter described secures in position the pages of the book, the covers and, optionally, the spine binding. Certain of these elements are thermoplastic and the apparatus softens the plastic by application of heat, and simultaneously molds the elements together by drawing a vacuum within a flexible vacuum molding membrane.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of means for forming the covers and spine hinged together along lines spaced forwardly of the back edge of the book and fabricating the cover in such manner that there is an absence of fillets between the covers and spine. As hereinafter described in detail, in one form of the invention, the position of book pages relative to the covers is altered after the vacuum has been applied, thereby eliminating the fillet which would otherwise be created.

Another principal feature of the invention is the provision of a membrane or blanket which constitutes a barrier between the atmosphere and the vacuum area to which the pages, spine and covers of the book are exposed. Atmospheric pressure acting upon the exterior surface of the membrane causes the same to flex and conform to the shape of the book to be formed. Thus the blanket is preferably of a material which flexes readily and within reasonable limits conforms to the shape of the book to be manufactured.

Another important feature of the invention is the fact that the blanket may be formed with a heating element such as carbon cloth embedded therein and suitable electrical terminals applied to the carbon cloth so that it functions as a resistance heating element. Thus the blanket not only serves as a barrier between the atmosphere and the vacuum existing within the machine, but also serves as a heating element to soften the plastic.

One important advantage of the invention is that the entire book is molded in a vacuum. Thus all the elements of the book are molded under uniform conditions. If only the cover and spine cap were thus molded, a variable vacuum seal might result. The apparatus and method eliminate air pockets and form the most compact book possible If the adhesives and other substances used have objectionable odors or other irritating characteristics when at normal or elevated temperatures, forming the entire book in a vacuum enables fumes to be drawn out and discharged to atmosphere; optionally this method allows these fumes to be filtered prior to discharge to the atmosphere.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one form of the invention partially broken away in section to reveal interior construction;

FIG. 2 is a top plan similarly broken away;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view substantially along the line -33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 3 of a modification;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view through the cover;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary enlarged view of a modifica tion;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4A of still another modification;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of a further modification;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line -77 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substan- 'tially along the line 8-8 of FIG. 2 showing the parts reveal internal construction;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 20-20 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view through the apparatus of FIGS. 18-20 with the cover closed; and

FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 21.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. '1-8, inclusive, there is provided a base 31 and a cover 32 hinged together along one horizontal edge by means of binge 33. When the cover is closed and latches 34 engaged, an airtight seal is provided.

Base 31 has a pedestal 36 which rests upon a bottom platform 37. On either side of the top of the pedestal is a horizontal ledge portion 38. Thus in each ledge portion '38 there is a horizontal flat table 39 extending from the side edges inwardly to pedestal 36 and then having sides 41 extending downwardly on the outside of the pedestal to the bottom platform 37. The bottom of ledge 38 is reinforced by gussets 42. A vacuum is drawn by means of pump 43 having conduit 44 through one of sides 41 communicating with the interior of the base 31.

The machine is adjustable for different book thicknesses. The spacing between sides 41 limits the thickness of the completed book. Within such maximum limit, the book thickness is controlled by L-shaped plates 46. Top flange 47 of each plate 46 is supported by ledge 38. To facilitate sliding movement of flange 47 relative to ledge 38, strips 48 of fibre glass reinforced Teflon tape or the like may be laid transversely on the top of ledge 38. Such tape 48 facilitates sliding and also provides a slight gap between flange 47 and plate 39 through which air may circulate during the application of vacuum to the machine;

The vertical flanges 49 of each L-shape plate 46 extend down between the side plates 41. To insure that the plates 47 are centered relative to the center of the machine, levers 51 are hinged to each vertical flange 49 and also to bar 52 which slides in a vertical slot '53 in back 54 of pedestal 36. A spring '56 is fixed to back 54 and to bar 52 and thus insures that the two vertical flanges 49 are spaced equally from the center of pedestal 36.

Immediately inside the vertical sides 41'of the pedestal on either side of the machine are sub-frames 61, each consisting of two vertical plates 62 spaceda short distance apart. In the space between plates '62 are top and bottom sprockets 63 at the front and back of the machine. Vertical front and back continuous chains 64 travel around sprockets 63. Fixed to each chain 64 so as to travel therewith is an end of a horizontal bar 66. Transverse horizontal page-support bars 67 interconnect bars 66 at intervals and to permit bars 67 to reciprocate vertically relative to sub-frames 61, the plates 62 forming the same are formed with vertical slots 68. The vertical flanges 49 of L-shape plates 46 are formed with vertical slots 69 corresponding in position to the page-support bars 67 so that said bars 67 may reciprocate vertically relative to plates 46. The height of bars 66 relative to sub-frames 61 is adjustable. Thus shaft 71 for each lower sprocket 63 carries sprocket 72. Adjacent the center of the machine are two horizontal transverse shafts 73 carrying sprockets 74. Chains 76 interconnect sprockets 72 and 74. Shafts 73 also carry mating gears 77. Front shaft 71 carries a Worm gear 78 which meshes with worm 79. By turning worm 79, bars 67 may be raised and lowered'to accommodate different page widths.

As hereinafter explained, at the commencement of fabrication of the book, the spine edges 81 of the book pages are located above the level of the horizontal flanges 47 of the L-shape plates 46. Particularly where the book being made is thin, there is a possibility that the edges 81 may be bent over during application of vacuum. To eliminate such possibility, a pair of page-support plates 82 is located with one immediately within each vertical flange 49'. Plates 82 are vertically slidable relative to plates 46 and vertical slots 83 corresponding to the positions of bars 67 are formed in-page-support plates 82 to permit adjustment of the position of bars 67.

At the commencement of the fabrication operation, the page-support bars 67 and the page-support plates 82 are in raised position (FIG. 8). After the vacuum has been applied and the blanket 98 (hereinafter described) stretched into the fillet to the fullest possible extent, the page-support bars and page-support plates are lowered. The vertical movement is controlled by a handle 86 on transverse horizontal shaft 87 which is connected to a similar shaft 88 at the rear of the machine by chain 89 traveling around sprockets 91 on shafts -87 and 88. Shafts 87 and 88 interiorly of pedestal 36 carry earns 92. Transverse horizontal bars 93 rest upon earns 92 and the bottom edges of page-support plates 82 and sub-frames 61- rest upon said bars 93. Thus when handle 86 is pulled forwardly through both the page-support bars 67 and the page-support plates 82 are lowered an amount equal to the difference between the high dwell and low dwell of cams 92.

The cover 32 is of a hollow sheet-metal construction filled principally with glass-wool insulation 96. Cover 32 comprises a frame 97 for a vacuum molding membrane or blanket 9'8 and also contains the heating element which softens the plastic. In the preferred form of cover shown in FIG. 5, the heating blanket is of novel construction. The heating element 99 comprises carbon cloth of a type presently commercially available. One such carbon cloth is manufactured by Hitco Materials Division of Gardena, Calif. The material is comprised of a fibrous amorphous carbon material. The filament diameters are about .003 inch. Preferably the fabric is woven in a square Weave so that the cloth flexes in a horizontal direction as viewed in FIG. 1. A similar carbon cloth is manufactured by the Carbon Products Division of Union Carbide Corporation and is described in Technical Information Bulletin No. 1 13B.

A preferred square Woven carbon cloth is shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10. The threads 101a and 101b (herein generally referred to as 101) of the warp and the threads 102, 103 of the woof each consist of a plurality of carbon filaments, the filaments of threads 102, 103 being twisted and those of thread 101 being substantially flat and only slightly twisted. Warp thread 101a passes under each first woof thread 102 and over each second woof thread 103. Next adjacent woof thread 101b passes over thread 103 and under thread 102, it being observed that threads 102, 103 cross over each other between one Warp thread 101 and the next but threads 102, 103 are never twisted relative to each other. Thus the cloth stretches along the warp threads, the threads 102, 103 separating from each other under such stress.

To prevent shorting of the carbon cloth when it is folded, the threads 101, 102, 103 are preferably sprayed with or dip-coated in silicone rubber coating 104, such as COHRlastic silicone rubber manufactured by the Connecticut Hard Rubber Company, New Haven, Conn., No. 9255, as described in Technical Bulletin CHR. Dow-Corning No. 3145 adhesive-sealant is similiarly effective for this purpose, as described in Bulletin 08-3263 of March 1968 of the Electronic Products Division of Dow-Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich. It will be understood that other silicon rubber and other insulating materials may be employed. The thickness of coating 104 may be sufficiently great so that the material is sealed by a layer 106 and a vacuum molding blanket is formed thereby (FIG. 9). On the other hand, the blanket may be formed by laminating the coated or uncoated carbon material to top and bottom layers 107 of silicone rubber sheeting (FIG. The silicone rubber stretches even more readily than the carbon material and thus conforms to the shape of the object being molded when vacuum is applied.

A novel terminal for the carbon material is one aspect of the present invention. Heretofore, carbon materials have been connected to a source of current by relatively crude clamping methods. In accordance with our invention, before the silicone rubber 104 is applied to the carbon material, the carbon cloth 99 is preferably electroplated at either end. Thus in one method of forming the terminals, the ends of the element from which the blanket is to be formed are immersed in copper sulphate solution and copper 108 is electroplated onto the carbon material by conventional electro-plating techniques. The terminals of the electric wires 109 are then attached to the copper plated ends 108 by solder 111, thereby effecting an electrical conection which is extremely efficient and effective. Preferably the blanket is sprayed with silicone rubber 104 after the terminals have been completed.

An alternate form of heating element is shown in FIGS. 3A and 6. Coils 112 of electrical wire of the type used as heating elements of toasters and heaters are supported at intervals by S-shaped clips 113 which project from perforated plate 114 at intervals along the length of the cover 32a, said plate being received in the ends of 97a of cover 32a. When electric current is applied to the heating elements, the coils glow and the air space 115 and the rubber vacuum blanket 98a are heated by a combination of radiant and convection heating. The hot vacuum blanket 98a in time softens the plastic material beneath it.

At the commencement of the operation, the spine edges 81 of the pages of the book are fastened. A preferred means for fastening the edges is shown in Abildgaard and Groswith patent application, Ser. No. 799,045, filed Feb. 13, 1969, entitled Apparatus for Binding Sheets and Products. Briefly, narrow plastic strips 121, 122 extend along the length of the left and right adjacent edges 81, respectively. The strips are interconnected by studs 123 at spaced intervals which project through spaced holes in the pages adjacent edges 81. The projecting ends of studs 123 are cut off flush with the outside of strip 122 and are also secured to strip 122 by deformation of the cut ends in various ways as described in said application. In accordance with one modification of the present invention, before strips 121, 122 are applied to the edges 81, plastic wings 124 may be installed on top of the outer pages and under strips 121, 122 (see FIGS. 8 and 11A). The wings 124 may be separate elements or integral with the covers.

To cover over the spine of the book, an extruded thermoplastic channel-shaped cap 126 may be used. One such cap 126 is shown in FIGS. 11A and 14. The base of the channel fits over the edges 81 of the pages and the sides of the channel fit over the outtside of strips 121, 122. Since cap 126 is thermoplastic, when heat and pressure are applied, as hereinafter expained, cap 126 is secured to strips 121, 122 and securely molds the same together and to the cap. Adhesive inside cap 126 causes the cap to adhere to spine edges 81 of the pages. At the same time, the cover sheets 127 which are similarly thermoplastics, are molded to wings 124, thereby forming a completed book. The means and method whereby said operation is preformed is hereinafter described.

It is preferable that covers 127 be connected to the book along hinge lines and that the hinge lines be spaced slightly inward of the spine edges of the pages, as ordinary book covers are hinged to the spine binding. The wings 124 may provide the desired hinges. The mechanism for location of the hinges is hereinafter described.

At the commencement of operation, cover 32 is opened and handle 86 controlling cams 92 is retracted so that the bars 93 are raised, thereby raising bars 67 and plates 82. The elevation of bars 67 is adjusted by turning worm 79 depending upon the width of the pages. Accordingly, at the commencement of operation as shown in FIG. 8, the strips 121, 122 rest upon the upper edges of page-support plates 82 and the bottom edges of the pages rest upon page-support bars 67. The L-shape plates 46 are moved inwardly so that the vertical flanges 49 press the pagesupport plates 82 firmly against the book pages. Plates 82 prevent the pages from bending over. Appropriately sized thermoplastic cover sheets 127 are then place resting upon the horizontal flanges 47 of L-shaped plates 46 and their inner edges rest upon wings 124 so that the wings will be molded together with the covers. If wings 124 are an integrally molded part of covers 127, said covers and Wings are assembled next to the first and last pages of the book when strips 121 and 122 are secured together. A casting release paper 128 is then laid over each cover 127 and preferably also over cap 126 on the spine. Such paper 128 has the characteristics that plastic materials molded thereupon will part from the paper after molding and cooling. Such papers are commercially produced by the S. D. Warren Division of Scott Paper Company, and others, and are readily commercially available. Various textures may be embossed in the paper during manufacture, such as various leather-grain simulations and such simulations are in turn imparted to the outside of covers 127 during the manufacturing process. For ornamental purposes, decorative borders, names and other legends may be silk-screened or otherwise applied onto the casting release paper 128 in reverse printing and such material is absorbed into the thermoplastic covers and cap during molding. By techniques well known in the transfer art, legends may be typed onto a transparent plastic material and affixed to the casting release paper, the transparent plastic and art thereon becoming molded into the finished product surface. Scuff coating to prevent bleeding of plastic ingredients may also be applied.

The cover 32 is then closed and latches 34 engaged, forming an airtight seal between membrane 98 and base 31. Electric current is then applied to the heating element 99. Pump 43 is started creating a vacuum within base 31 and under membrane 98. When this has occurred, handle 86 is brought forward, turning cams 92 and cansing plates 82 and bars 67 to be lowered about one-half inch from the position of FIG. 8 to the position of FIG. 8A. Continued application of vacuum causes membrane 98 to conform to the shape of the spine and covers, thereby eliminating the fillets which would otherwise occur where the spin and covers join. Continued heating softens the plastic material of 127, cap 126 and wings 124.

First elevating the spine edges as in FIG. 8, and then lowering same to the position of FIG. 8A, is a preferred method of fabrication. The length of wing 124 between strip 121 (or 122) and the inner edge of cover sheet 127 in the condition of FIG. 8 is a curved line approximating the hypotenuse of a right triangle, the short side of which is the amount of projection of plate 82 above flange 47. Before plate 82 is retracted, the square of the length of the short side added to the square of the long side of the triangle equals approximately the square of the curved hypotenuse. When plate 82 is retracted, the sum of the shortened length of the short side plus the length of the long side of the triangle now equals approximately the length of that portion of the membrane previously called the hypotenuse, thus eliminating the fillet caused by the membrane 98 over the right angle formedby the page support plate 82 and the horizontal flange 47 of plate 46. This unique and novel fillet removal technique serves to tuck membrane 98 into the right-angle area, insuring adequate pressure and heat in the vital hinge area.

The covers, strips and page edges are thus bonded together. The (optional) texture of the casting release paper 128 is transmitted to the softened spine cap 126 and covers 127, and any printed or ornamental material on the casting release paper is transferred onto the book covers. Application of the vacuum under membrane 98 rounds the edges in covers 127. Furthermore, if any panels or other inserts are attached to the casting release paper 128, or laid upon the covers or spine, they are imbedded to the cover or spine. Instead of a single 'cover thickness, various laminae may be used to vary the cover thickness and rigidity and also to ornament the same, all as hereinbefore explained.

After the molding process is conducted for a sufi'icient length of time, the heating and vacuum are discontinued. The cover is opened and the casting release papers stripped from the completed product.

The completed book, in a preferred form of the invention, has a spine which comprises cap 126 which adheres to the spine edges 81 of the pages of the book and to strips 121, 122 between which studs 123 extend through holes in the pages. The wings 124 are fixed to strips 121, 122 and the edges of covers 127. Wings 124 are flexible and facilitate hinging of the covers relative to the spine.

A modified construction is shown in FIG. 11. The covers 127a are installed under the strips 121, 122. Optionally, a spine cap (not shown) is installed over the strips 121, 122 and is bonded to the back edges of the pages as well as to the strips. A thin layer of heat-activated or pressure-sensitive adhesive previously applied to the inside of the spine cap 126 will assist in adhesion to the edges of the pages.

FIGS. 12 and 12A show a further modification. In this portion 133 is formed inward of the spine edge of cover 131 to function as a hinge. The back cover 134 is formed with holes 136 to receive studs 132 in a manner similar to strip 122. Cover 134also has reduced thickness hinge portion 133. After the covers 131, 134 are assembled with studs 132 projecting through holes 136 and holes 137 adjacent the spine edges of the pages, the excesslength of the studs are trimmed off and the ends are distorted to permanently :bond the studs to cover 134. Thereupon a spine cap 138a is installed with its base engaging the spine edges of the pages and flanges thereof engaging the edges of the covers 131, 134 rearwardly of the reduced thickness portions 133. Upon molding, as hereinbefore described, the pages, spine cap and covers are secured together.

FIGS. 13-l3A is a further modification. In this form each cover 127b is formed with a reduced thickness area 138 along its spine edge. The studs 123b pass through holes 139 in the reduced thickness portions 138, as well as the holes in the second strip 122b.

Alternate spine caps are shown in FIGS. 14, 14A and 14B. The form 126 shown in FIG. 14 is similar to that used in FIG. 11 or 11A as well as cap 138a shown in FIG. 12A. In FIG. 14, the base 141 or web of the channel is rigid and extending along either edge thereof is flange 142. In FIG. 14A, flange 142a is thinner and wider. The flanges 142a are preferably placed on the inside of covers 127, although they may be placed on the outside prior to heat and pressure being applied during vacuum molding. In FIG. 14B, the flanges 142b of the channel cap 12Gb are formed with double wings 143 outward of the spine. The spine edges of covers 127c are inserted between the double wings 143 and are vacuum molded thereto.

in FIG. 15, the spine cap 1260 is formed of a material which shrinks upon application of heat. The covers 1270 have apertured reduced thickness portions 138a at the spine edges which form the hinges. The strips 1210, 1220 .are installed and upon application of heat the spine portions 126c shrink to the proper dimension, depending on the thickness of the particular number of pages which comprise the book. The covers 127(: are bonded to the cap 126a and to strips 121e, 1220.

In FIG. 16, as a preliminary step, a shrinkable center strip 143 is provided to which on either side is bonded a cover 127d. The shrink portion 143 is formed with a double row of holes 144 so that when strips (not shown but similar to 121, 122) are installed the studs project through holes 144 as well as the holes in the pages therebetween. Upon application of heat the center portion 143 shrinks to the proper width depending upon the thickness of the pages in the book.

FIGS. 17 and 17A are still a further modification. In this form of the invention each cover 131a, 134a is formed with two reduced thickness portions 133a, 146. Between the two portions 133a, 146 on the front cover 131a are studs 132a and on the back cover 134a are holes 136a. A heat shrink web 147 connects the outer portions of each cover, the inner edges of the web preferably extending inward to portion 146. When the book is assembled and the excess stud material removed, the outer areas 148 beyond areas 146 are folded outwardly and back to overlap the intermediate portions 149 (between areas 133a and 146). Upon application of heat and pressure in the vacuum molding process, the heat shrinkable center web 147 shrinks so that it is tight. The various layers of the covers and spine are bonded together in permanent fashion.

A modified apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 18-21. This apparatus consists of a base 151 and cover 152. Base 151 has a bottom plate 153 provided with nipple 154 for connection to a vacuum pump. :Plate 153 is provided with hinges 156 along one side edge. One side edge of cover 152 is likewise connected to hinge 156.

Mounted on plate 153 are left and right support members 157, 158, respectively. Viewed in front elevation, each support is a right triangle consisting of base 159, vertical side 161 at the inside end of base 159 and a slanted side 162, the latter making an angle of about 60 with base 159. Bases 159 are formed with transverse slots 163 receiving pins 164 secured to bottom plate 153. Hence supports 157, 158 may be moved inwardly and outwardly to adjust for different book thickness. Mounted in left-hand support 157 at front and back are vertical threaded rods 166. The top of each rod 166 is supported by brackets 167 and the bottom is received in a hole in bottom plate 153. Knobs 168 may be used to turn rods 166. Extending from front to back within left-hand support 157 is horizontal bar 169 formed with threaded holes which receive rods 166. Hence by turning knobs 168, bar 169 may be raised and lowered. Extending from bar 169 and extending into right-hand support 158 are a plurality of transverse, horizontal page support pins 171. The vertical sides 161 of both left-hand and right-hand supports are formed with vertical slots 172 to permit pins 171 to raise and lower. By adjusting the height of bar 169 and thus by adjusting the height of pins 171, support for books of ditferent page widths is provided.

Cover 152 consists of a rectangular narrow base 176 provided on its under surface with a gasket 177 which seals against bottom plate 153 when the cover is closed Cover 152 has trapezoidal front and back ends 178, their bases being equal to the width of bottom plate 153 and the height being suflicient to clear the tops of supports 157, 158. The angle of the. sides of the cover is about equal to the angle of sides of support 157. Extending between the front and back end is a flexible and stretchable membrane 181. The bottom edges of the membrane are attached to base 176 by means of clamps 182, clamps 182 having a sealing gasket 183 which seals to membrane 181. The front and back edges of membrane 181 are sealed to the front and rear ends 178 by means of clamps 184. Cover 152 is provided with an outside casing 186 which encloses heat insulation material 187.

Membrane 181 may be similar to membrane 98 in the preceding modification. Thus membrane 181 may contain a carbon cloth heating element, either laminated between silicone rubber sheets or coated with silicone rubber of sufficient thickness so that the membrane is airtight. Such membrane functions both as a heating element and as a vacuum blanket. Alternatively, the membrane may be a vacuum blanket but contain no heating elements. One external form of heating element may be the provision of heating coils (not shown) within cover 152 similar to the coils 112 illustrated in FIG. 3A. It will occur to those skilled in the art that various means for heating the cover may be employed, such as hot air blowers and the like.

In use of the modification, FIGS. 18-21, the book pages are first assembled as in the preceding modification, as by use of strips 121e, 1220. The position of bar 169 is first adjusted by turning knobs 168 so that pins171 support the edges of the pages at such elevation that strips 121a, 1220 rest upon the top edges of supports 157, 158. Supports 157, 158 are moved inwardly so that they engage the outer pages of the book. Ordinarily, it is not necessary to clamp supports 157, 158 tightly in place because atmospheric pressure against the supports will ordinarily force the same inwardly when the interior of the apparatus is subjected to vacuum with suflicient force. to securely clamp the pages.

Thermoplastic cover sheets 127e are laid along the slanted sides 162 of the supports in proximity to wings 124e which are under strips 121e, 122e. A plastic cap 126e is installed over the spine with the sides thereof extending down over the outside of strips 121e, 122e. A layer of casting release paper 128a is then laid over covers 127:: and spine cap 126e, said release paper being similar to that of the preceding modification. Cover 152 is then placed over base 151 and clamped thereto by means of clamps (not shown). Heat is applied to the cover either by energization of the carbon cloth in membrane 181, or by other means. At the. same time, a vacuum is drawn in the interior of the apparatus by means of a pump (not shown). Atmospheric pressure forces membrane 181 tightly against the materials resting on supports 157, 158 and a vacuum molded book is produced. Various modifications of the book structure have hereinbefore been described. When the book has been formed, cover 152 is removed and the release paper 128e stripped from the book covers.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for molding book covers comprising a base, support means on said base to hold book pages in assembled position with the spine edges of said pages exposed and also to hold thermoplastic book covers adjacent but at an angle relative to said pages, and a cover fitting over said base and support means, a flexible membrane in said cover, sealing means for sealing edges of said membrane relative to said cover and said base to form an airtight enclosure around said base and support means, a pump for drawing a vacuum within said enclosure, and heating means for raising the temperature to soften book covers positioned on said support means, said membrane positioned so that atmospheric pressure forces said membrane against said book covers and also against the spine edges of said pages to mold said pages and covers into a book.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said membrane is a sheet of silicone rubber-like material and said heating means comprises heating coils disposed on the side of said membrane opposite said base.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said heating means comprises a flexible grid of electrically conductive resistance. elements and said membrane is applied to said elements.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which said membrane is sprayed over and between said elements to form a unitary structure.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which said elements and membrane are laminated together.

'6. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which said elements comprise carbon cloth.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, in which said cloth is woven in a square weave.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6, which further comprises a conductive metal plated on said cloth at each end of said grid and a lead wire secured to said conductive metal at each end.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said support means comprises a pair of plates each having a pair of flanges disposed at right angles and guide means supporting one flange of each plate horizontal and guiding said horizontal flanges for movement toward and away from each other.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, which further comprises a pair of page support plates, each said page support plate disposed parallel to and immediately inside the vertical flange of one of said first-mentioned plates and means for raising and lowering said page support plates between a projected position with their upper edges above the horizontal flanges of said first-mentioned plates and a retracted position.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9, which further comprises at least two horizontal transverse page support bars extending between the horizontal flanges of said plates, said plates formed with vertical slots to accommodate said bars and adjustable means for adjusting the elevation of said bars, whereby said bars support the bottom edges of book pages with the spine edges thereof at a pre-selected distance above said horizontal flanges.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, which further comprises means for raising and lowering said bars between a projected position with said spine edges substantially above said horizontal flanges and a retracted position with said spine edges slightly above said horizontal flanges.

13. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which said support means comprises a pair of right-triangle shaped members movable on said base toward and away from each other to accommodate different thicknesses of pages.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, which further comprisesat least two page edge support pins extending across the gap between said support members and adjustable means for adjusting the elevation of said pins, whereby said pins support the bottom edges of book pages with the spine edges thereof at a preselected distance above said support members, said support members formed with vertical slots to accommodate movement of said pins.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1945 Kreh'biel 281 -21X 5/1969 Cheney 1819F 8/1969 Shelby 18-19F 6/ 1970 Fiihr 11-1RX 9/1970 Rost et a1. 28121RX 10/1970 Abildgaard et al. 281-21RX LAWRENCE CHARLES, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

